BirdLife International Statement to the 19th session of the WCPFC Scientific Committee (SC19)

BirdLife International thanks the WCPFC Secretariat and Members for their continued efforts to identify improved seabird bycatch mitigation measures. We are highly supportive of these efforts; however, we remain very concerned about the ongoing seabird bycatch in WPCFC fisheries. BirdLife International emphasize that it is critically important for the WCPFC to address the ongoing bycatch of protected seabird species in the WCPO (Western and Central Pacific Ocean) as a duty under the Convention. BirdLife International emphasizes there are demonstrably effective measures to reduce seabird bycatch in long-line fisheries, and that with fleet-wide implementation and compliance monitoring, seabird bycatch can be dramatically reduced. We look forward to productive discussions in person in Koror, Palau at SC19 on this important issue.